New vehicles. New engines. New plans. A fast information to the producers reshaping F1 in 2026.
If you happen to’ve just lately tuned out of Method 1 as a result of it felt like soiled air was being talked about greater than overtakes, then it could be time to rekindle the love. This 2026 season represents a brand new chapter—a manufacturing facility reset for each the powertrain and aerodynamics, with the main target now turning to smaller, lighter vehicles.
Greater than something, this yr can be a battleground for a few of the world’s largest automakers. For the primary time in many years, a lot of the logos on the grid will match the logos on our driveways.
With that, we wished to fill you in on the main points of who’s becoming a member of, who’s staying, and who the facility gamers might be as F1 undergoes its greatest change in latest historical past.
Alpine: The Solely Manner is Up
Alpine F1 Lead
Whereas highway vehicles are a few of the finest I’ve ever pushed, its F1 undertaking leaves so much to be desired. Following a run of poor outcomes, together with ending backside in 2025 with not even half the factors of Sauber, which completed second final, the Renault Group determined to close down its French engine program.
This comes because the group seems to be to be extra lean, specializing in what actually issues: the chassis. Due to this, Mercedes-Benz can be filling the empty house behind the driving force, and its energy unit is anticipated to be spectacular this yr.
Led by controversial character Flavio Briatore, there’s potential within the previous woman but, however with out actual backing from Renault, it appears like a shell of what it was once. Happily, it boasts two very gifted drivers within the form of the skilled Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
Audi: The New Heavyweight
Audi F1 R26 Idea
If you happen to’ve ever pushed an RS mannequin, you already know simply how good efficiency vehicles may be. When Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto joined Sauber, I requested them what their firm vehicles regarded like. The reply? An RS6—one thing Bortoleto was particularly happy with.
However that is the Volkswagen Group’s first actual foray into F1. Audi has proven success in rallying, Le Mans, and touring vehicles prior to now, so F1 seems to be to be the ultimate checkbox. The corporate is backing this effort with substantial assets, confirmed by the truth that it even constructed its personal engine.
Audi’s administration is confirmed, its drivers are gifted, and the corporate is hoping the change in laws will flatten the sphere sufficient for it to be in with an opportunity. This behemoth of a crew might be one to look at this yr.
Cadillac: The American Dream
Cadillac F1 automobile
Pink Bull’s problem is nothing in comparison with Cadillac’s, which is because the championship’s eleventh crew. It is a enormous step for the US, absolutely confirming the nation’s rightful place inside what was once a European-dominant sport.
Supported by Normal Motors, there isn’t any scarcity of assets. However 2026 can be a yr of discovery for the crew, which is constructing its personal chassis from scratch. The facility unit will come from Ferrari—anticipated to be potent this yr—however Cadillac is working by itself powertrain and may introduce it near 2028.
With motorsport legend Mario Andretti on the board of administrators and loads of different gifted people behind the closed doorways of its Silverstone headquarters, it is a promising crew. I used to be one of many few journalists invited to the HQ’s opening, and the ambiance was thick with confidence.
Skilled drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas lead the crew in what can be an thrilling yr for them.
Ferrari & Mercedes-Benz: Enterprise As Standard
Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari F1 take a look at debut at Fiorano 2025
The titans of the championship stay, with and Mercedes supplying a number of different groups with their powertrains and parts. In a hybrid world, the Silver Arrows are the facility unit favourites, however the energy of the Scuderia ought to by no means be doubted within the pinnacle of motorsport.
Each groups have a few of the finest drivers on the grid. Mercedes has already confirmed the worth of George Russell, and younger up-and-comer Kimi Antonelli is rapidly rising into his function after his rookie season final yr. For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton supply an unmatched degree of expertise, and their data communicate for themselves.
Sadly for each groups, for the reason that starting of the bottom impact period, they’ve each didn’t set the world alight. They will be hoping that being skilled works groups over a posh change in laws will deliver them the alternatives they should excel.
Ford: The Return Of The Blue Oval
Ford Method 1 2026
is returning to F1 for the primary time since 2004. Partnering with championship big Pink Bull, the automaker is closely aiding within the growth of the crew’s powertrain division, Pink Bull Powertrains. The American marque has a variety of expertise with hybrid and fully-electric powertrains, but it surely’s keen to make use of the sequence as a take a look at mattress to enhance its highway vehicles.
It is honest to say that it is a huge step for each Pink Bull and Ford. The crew relied on Honda for its powertrains within the years main as much as this variation, so managing this profitable transition is not any small feat. 2026 can be a troublesome yr for the Milton Keynes outfit because of this, however new crew principal Laurent Mekies is able to steer a well-engineered ship by way of these troubled waters.
Max Verstappen leads the driving force lineup, with promising Isack Hadjar sat alongside him for the primary time after a profitable rookie yr in 2025.
Honda: A Promising Powerhouse
Honda F1 engine at Japanese GP 2023
was planning on leaving F1, however after its sudden surge in reputation and concentrate on hybrid know-how, it could be foolish for the Japanese model to burn its bridges. Leaving Pink Bull on the finish of 2025, it now joins Aston Martin beneath crew proprietor Lawrence Stroll’s regime.
Honda is a tried and examined winner within the championship with its powertrains being a few of the finest on the grid, and with Stroll’s nearly unprecedented funding into his outfit, the celebrities could be aligning for the Silverstone-based squad.
Honda joins legend Adrian Newey, with model new infrastructure and the most recent in wind tunnel know-how, in addition to two-time champion and F1 stalwart Fernando Alonso. There isn’t any lack of expertise, and there is seemingly little that Stroll cannot purchase as they plan to hit the asphalt working this yr.
McLaren: Reigning Champions
Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Crew, 2nd place, congratulates Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Crew, 1st place, on arrival in Parc Ferme
is staying put with a partnership that has served it effectively over the past couple of years. Sizzling on the heels of an extremely profitable 2025, the place it received each the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, the Woking outfit will keep its energy unit partnership with Mercedes.
Because it seems, McLaren was in a position to construct a greater automobile round its Mercedes powertrain than Mercedes itself, and with the German unit sounding robust going into subsequent yr, McLaren will definitely be one of many favorites.
Reigning champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri make a formidable duo, and the American CEO of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown, is a monetary powerhouse. He is been in a position to join the crew with sufficient cash to tug it from the again of the grid. Crew principal Andrea Stella? He is a confirmed crew chief.
The one factor that might get in the way in which now could be crew orders. The much less I say about that, the higher.
